If you’re learning to drive in the UAE, this one’s for you. Under new UAE-wide regulations for driving schools coming into effect on January 1, 2027, you could score 75% or more in your practical test and still fail if you make a dangerous mistake. The new rules state that that if you’re applying for a driving licence, you’ll need at least 75% in both your theory and practical tests. But hitting that number isn’t a guaranteed pass. Certain dangerous errors mean an automatic fail, however well the rest of your test went. Keep reading for all the important details you need to know.
Big Mistakes vs Little Slip-Ups
Judicial counsellor Hesham Elrafei explained that the rules treat mistakes in two ways. Serious ones can fail you on the spot. Smaller ones are dealt with through the marking system, where you just lose a few points.
Worth knowing: the law doesn’t set one identical marking system for every driving school in the UAE. The detailed assessment criteria are decided by the relevant licensing authorities.
So, What Counts As An Automatic Fail?
Under Article 68, a dangerous mistake can fail you even if your overall score is high enough. Think:
- Losing control of the car
- Hitting a kerb or barrier
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Making dangerous errors when changing gears
And if your examiner has to speak up or physically step in to stop a dangerous situation, that can also mean an automatic fail.
Here’s where it gets a little vague. The regulation doesn’t say the test has to end right after something like that happens. It also doesn’t explain how feedback should be given to anyone who fails. Those details are left to the licensing authorities.
What If You Don’t Pass?
If you fail the practical test, the relevant licensing authority will give you another test date. As for the rest, the regulation leaves it open. There’s no fixed waiting period before you can retake the test, and you don’t have to take extra driving lessons first. It also doesn’t say whether you’ll have to pay another test fee. All of that comes down to your licensing authority’s procedures.
Already Taking Lessons? Yes, This Includes You
Already started lessons or booked your test? Sorry, the new rules don’t exempt you. If you’re sitting your test from January 1, you’ll be assessed under the new requirements, even if you started training months ago.
Driving schools and licensing authorities will need to update how they run their tests. The regulation doesn’t say what specific preparations they need to complete before the rules kick in.
